Manila, Philippines – Ako Bicol Party List and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Elizaldy Co, and Albay 2nd District and Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means Rep. Joey Salceda urgently appeals to the Senate for the swift approval of the bill advocating the establishment of permanent evacuation centers in every Local Government Unit (LGU). With the current predicament faced by the Bicol region, which frequently encounters powerful storms and the looming threat of a Mayon Volcano eruption, the necessity for these centers becomes evident.

Rep. Co stated, “The approval of this bill is of paramount importance in safeguarding the lives and well-being of our communities. The traditional practice of utilizing public schools as evacuation centers falls short in providing the necessary facilities to accommodate evacuees effectively. We must prioritize the safety of our people without compromising their education.”

House Bill 7354, spearheaded by Speaker Martin Romualdez, seeks to establish evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines. Rep. Co emphasized, “These permanent evacuation centers are crucial in providing immediate and temporary accommodation for individuals affected by natural or human-induced disasters. It is essential that we have dedicated facilities in place to ensure the well-being and safety of our people during times of crises.”

Rep. Salceda explained, “The establishment of these evacuation centers will enhance our preparedness and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. We must prioritize the approval of this bill to provide the necessary infrastructure that can adequately support our communities during calamities.”

The urgent need for permanent evacuation centers is underscored by the recent unrest of the Mayon Volcano, as highlighted by the Office of Civil Defense (ODC) spokesperson, Diego Mariano. In light of the volcano’s activity, Rep. Co added, “We need to take immediate action to protect the lives and welfare of our communities in vulnerable areas. By establishing permanent evacuation centers, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our people when faced with disasters.”

Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Elizaldy Co, firmly appeals to the Senate to expeditiously pass this bill and contribute to the establishment of a robust and effective disaster response framework in the Philippines.